Primary schools in London face financial pressures to merge or even close because of dwindling numbers of pupils caused by a falling birthrate, Brexit and the Covid-era flight from cities, councils in the capital have warned.
A report by London Councils – the cross-party group representing local authorities around the capital – found that 29 of its 32 members are expecting a sharp fall in the numbers of children entering reception classes until 2026-27.
“London local authorities and schools are currently dealing with a significant and sustained period of reduction in demand for reception places, which has implications for school budgets and standards,” the report states.
The forecast is that the number of four- and five-year-olds starting in state primary schools will drop from 96,000 last September to 89,000 in 2026 – a fall of 7%.
